by Emily Tomlinson
with Comments Off on Foundation Remembers First Board President
Over the course of its 29 years, the Community Foundation has had many outstanding citizens of the Dan River Region serve as our Board President. Our first president, Fred Leggett, Jr., who served in the role from 1996-2000, passed away July 5.
“Fred Leggett was instrumental in the establishment of The Foundation,” said Executive Director Daniel Hayes. “His guidance, leadership and unwavering support in those early years helped lay the groundwork for the impact The Foundation had, and continues to have, throughout the Dan River Region.”
During his tenure as president, The Foundation’s component funds grew to 15 funds and assets totaled almost $9.5 million. In addition, because of the overwhelming support of new funders, a part-time executive director was hired in 1996, followed by a full-time executive director in 1999.
The Foundation was established in September 1996 by a steering committee of civic leaders, which included Leggett, who wanted to meet a variety of social, educational, cultural and public needs in the Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County area, as well as other localities lying within the greater Danville area. In addition, Belk-Leggett Co., Inc., and the Womack Foundation provided the initial administrative funding.
The board and staff of The Foundation are grateful to Leggett for his generosity in sharing his time and talent with us for so many years and extend its deepest condolences to the Leggett family.
by Emily Tomlinson
with Comments Off on Competitive Grant Cycle Closing
The 2025-26 Competitive Grant Cycle will close tomorrow, Friday, July 25 at 11:59 pm. No applications will be accepted after this time.
This annual grant opportunity is for projects to be completed in 2026. Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in good standing, and approved government entities may apply online to the Community Foundation’s Competitive Grant Cycle via our website.
For any questions or issues, please email Traci Petty, traci@cfdrr.org, or call The Foundation’s office at 434-793-0884.
by Emily Tomlinson
with Comments Off on Fund Education: Designated Fund
Donors have several different options when it comes to creating a fund at The Foundation. In previous newsletters we reviewed an Agency Endowment Fund and an Acorn Fund. This month we’ll discuss a Designated Fund.
If a donor has an organization near and dear to their heart, they can establish a Designated Fund to specifically support that organization. The nice thing about a Designated Fund is that the organization will receive money from the fund as long as the organization exists. In addition, a Designated Fund can support as many organizations a donor wants. Donors are able to determine how much money each organization receives.
Since the first Designated Fund was established in 1999, more than 40 Designated Funds have been created. The first Designated Fund was the Eileen and Joseph Stendig Family Fund, which supports Temple Beth Sholom in Danville.
If you are interested in started a Designated Fund, or another type of fund, don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff at 434-793-0884 or email info@cfdrr.org for more information.
